Bermuda To Introduce Bank Deposit Guarantees

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

17 September 2010

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) has launched a consultation on proposals for introducing deposit insurance in Bermuda.

The Paper outlines key recommendations for establishing a so-called Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS) for Bermuda’s banking sector, particularly designed to protect small depositors. A DIS provides enhanced protection to depositors in a bank by guaranteeing that they will be compensated up to a maximum specified amount of their deposits upon failure of that institution.

The issue of depositor protection has received heightened attention internationally due to the significant losses some banks incurred during the global financial crisis. As a result, regulatory authorities around the world have been examining their standards with a view to strengthening their banking sectors. While, according to the BMA, Bermuda’s banking sector remained resilient overall during the crisis, and continues to be stable, a DIS would be introduced as a precautionary measure to provide an additional safeguard particularly for small depositors.

Jeremy Cox, CEO of the Authority said: “As Bermuda’s financial services regulator, one of our most important responsibilities is deposit-holder protection. Traditionally, we have relied on prudent and effective supervision of the banking sector, ensuring that Bermuda banks operate within strict levels of solvency and liquidity. This approach has served Bermuda well, however the challenges presented by the global financial crisis highlighted the potential enhanced protection offered by a DIS, and the benefits of having such a facility in place. The addition of a DIS in Bermuda will further strengthen the financial safety net for retail depositors in our market.”

The consultation paper sets out the objectives, rationale and proposed features of the DIS. The objectives of the DIS are to protect small depositors, to promote stability in Bermuda’s financial system and economy, and to promote competition within the banking sector. The consultation paper presents proposals for, among other matters, the structure and administration of the DIS, the scope and amount of its coverage and funding of the Scheme.

Graeme Dargie, Director, Banking, Trust and Investment at the Authority, added: “The Authority conducted extensive research to develop a DIS that would be both practical for the Bermuda market, and consistent with international best practice. The paper outlines twelve recommendations regarding the structure and key features of a DIS in Bermuda, which are designed to ensure it is prudently implemented.”

One of the features proposed in the paper is a maximum coverage amount of BMD25,000 (USD25,000) per depositor, per institution. This means that in the event of a local bank failure, individuals with bank accounts with that institution would be reimbursed for all their deposits combined up to a maximum of BMD25,000.

Dargie continued: “In developing the maximum coverage amount, the Authority had to balance the issues of enhancing financial stability in the marketplace with the need to keep the funding costs of the scheme within reasonable levels. The cost of the scheme and how it will be funded remains a key discussion point within our consultation with the market. The formula proposed by the Authority to determine the coverage amount was based on a recommendation by the International Monetary Fund and is consistent with international best practice. In addition, it would meet one of the objectives of the DIS by covering the vast majority of small depositors on the island.”

“It is important to note as well that the Authority’s recommendation to set the maximum coverage amount at BMD25,000 is a starting point to establish the scheme. This amount can and should be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate.”

Additional highlights of the proposed DIS include:

• Mandatory contributions (premiums) into the Scheme by all banks and deposit companies licensed under the Banks and Deposit Companies Act 1999. Compulsory participation is an internationally adopted practice that promotes comprehensive protection for depositors;
• Coverage for “retail deposits” only. The BMA said this is "in line with the objective to protect small depositors and would include deposits owned by individuals, trusts, small businesses and charitable organisations"; and,
• Establishing a separate statutory body, the Bermuda Deposit Insurance Corporation (BDIC), to institute and manage the scheme. The BDIC would not duplicate the supervisory role of the Authority. Its main responsibilities would involve such functions as premium collection, assessing claims and compensation payouts. The BDIC would also be responsible for reviewing the maximum coverage amount of the scheme in consultation with the market, if deemed necessary.

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